A moment of pride and diplomacy unfolded at the Seychelles Coast Guard base as India’s all-women tri-services crew aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni received a grand ceremonial welcome. This event marks the successful completion of a significant leg of the “Samudra Pradakshina” expedition—a remarkable 55-day, 4,000-nautical-mile journey representing India’s growing maritime strength and commitment to gender equality within its armed forces.
The 12-member crew, which includes personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, was warmly welcomed by the High Commissioner of India. The occasion drew attention from dignitaries such as Roger Mancienne, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, and Major General Micheal Rosette, Chief of Defence Forces. Their presence underscored the strategic maritime and defense partnership between India and Seychelles, showcasing deepening cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
The “Samudra Pradakshina” expedition, translating to “Ocean Circumnavigation,” is inspired by India’s historic warrior queens, particularly Rani Lakshmi Bai. It builds upon the legacy of all-women maritime leadership initiated by the Indian Navy’s 2018 Navika Sagar Parikrama, expanding the concept into a tri-services collaboration. This journey is not just a testament to endurance but also a symbol of “Nari Shakti,” or women’s empowerment, actively championed by India’s defense establishment.
To prepare for this monumental task, the crew underwent two years of intensive training at the Army Adventure Nodal Centre for Blue Water Sailing, part of the College of Military Engineering in Pune. Their preparation encompassed essential skills such as seamanship, navigation, meteorology, emergency response, and international maritime law, reflecting India’s commitment to robust global maritime engagement.
The stop in Seychelles is emblematic of India’s expanding diplomatic outreach. Earlier, in February 2025, India gifted the PB Boudeuse, a fast patrol boat, to the Seychelles Coast Guard during a high-level visit by the Indian External Affairs Minister. This vessel has since bolstered Seychelles’ maritime patrol capabilities. Major General Rosette, who welcomed the IASV Triveni crew, was recently honored by France for his contributions to maritime security, emphasizing regional collaboration on ocean safety.
Images from the welcoming ceremony captured poignant moments: the crew, dressed proudly in naval whites and sailing gear, alongside Seychelles dignitaries, with the High Commissioner engaging warmly with a team member. The event culminated in a formal reception that seamlessly blended military decorum with cultural camaraderie, as women officers donned traditional Indian attire to mingle with their counterparts.
As the expedition continues, the message remains clear: India’s women in uniform are making waves—both literally and figuratively—across global waters. The Triveni sails forth not just as a vessel, but as a beacon of courage, unity, and empowerment on the high seas.
